Often operating behind the scenes as the marketing and promotional
arm for various seafood, fruit and vegetable growers, shippers and
packers, commodity boards undeniably offer a valuable service to
retailers from store level support to complex research.

Need category management help? Want to schedule a demo? Grocers are
likely to find the information they seek, plus more, by checking with
the commodity boards listed below.

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Large or small, East Coast or West, commodity boards make sure the
industries they represent have a voice. Whether it is seafood from the
waters of Alaska or apples grown in upstate New York, it is a complex
undertaking that clearly benefits from a team approach.

Here is a brief rundown of some keys ways in which commodity boards
can help retailers build sales:

ALASKA SEAFOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute works with Alaska's
seafood industry and retailers across the U.S. to raise awareness and
educate consumers.

Not surprisingly, Alaska yields nearly six billion pounds of wild
seafood (both finfish and shellfish) each year, which is more than all
of the lower 48 states combined. According to Larry Andrews, retail
marketing director for ASMI, strict harvesting quotas and fishing
regulations ensure that Alaska will always yield a large quantity of
seafood. "Returns are so closely watched that seasons may open and
close within a matter of hours. Alaska is the gold standard--there is no
better run fishery in the world in terms of sustainable practices and
that's an important message we'd like to help retailers
understand and get out to customers," he says. The
association's latest slogan is "Wild, Natural and
Sustainable."

Promoting the Alaska brand is one of the primary roles ASMI plays.
The association's retail marketing program offers a wide variety of
materials to help retailers for use in-store and during events that
promote Alaska Seafood. Promotional materials include posters, recipe
leaflets and brochures, on-packs, channel and case signs, instructional
videos, informative websites, photography, health information and
educational materials designed for consumers and retail seafood
personnel. For example, the institute's website features
buyer's guides for salmon, whitefish and Alaska crab as well as
training aides that cover the basics about Alaska seafood as well as
articles incorporating illustrated cutting techniques.

"We want to be viewed as the go-to resource for education and
information about Alaska wild seafood," Andrews says. "Given
the complexities and number of ways to prepare seafood, a key advantage
and a challenge for grocers is to have a knowledgeable staff behind the
case. Explaining about the fish, where it's from, how to prepare
the product--these are all critical touch points that can help establish
the retailer as a seafood expert and what will keep consumers coming
back."

For more information, visit www.alaskaseafood.org.

CALIFORNIA AVOCADO COMMISSION

The mission of the California Avocado Commission, which operates
within the oversight Calif. Department of Food and Agriculture, is to
create demand for California avocados through advertising and marketing.
The CAC is also involved in tracking sales, monitoring purchasing
behavior and communicating that data to the industry. "Our goal is
to build brand identity for California avocados and contribute to
overall value and viability for our growers--an important task
considering 90% of domestic avocados are produced in California,"
notes Jan DeLyser, vice president of marketing for the Irvine,
Calif.-based group.

In 2008, the overall California avocado crop was 357 million
pounds, which DeLyser notes is average size. The CAC launched a new
marketing campaign to support sales of that crop themed "Hand grown
in California." The campaign was a response to consumer research
indicating they wanted to be closer to the food they eat. "We
featured our growers and their stories which helped reposition the fruit
during our window of peak volume in April through September," notes
DeLyser.

For 2009, the California avocado crop is expected to be 210.1
million pounds, the lightest crop in about two decades. Fires, bouts of
extreme heat during the bloom and water rationing in the Southern part
of the state that required growers to reduce water consumption by 30%
all affected the yield. On the upside, DeLyser says lighter volume means
this year's crop is beautiful, sizing nicely and has a clean
appearance.

Increasing consumption patterns are also expected to continue this
year, notes DeLyser, who attributes sales growth to existing consumers
eating more avocados and new demand markets being created due to
promotional events such as Cinco de Mayo and the Super Bowl. As
consumers experience disappointment with imports, DeLyser says it
presents an opportunity for her group to promote the California brand.

For more information, visit www.avocado.org.

CALIFORNIA FIG ADVISORY BOARD

California produces 100% of the nation's dried figs and 98% of
fresh figs. Comprising 10,000 acres, growers produced approximately
11,000 tons of figs in 2008. According to Karla Stockli, chief executive
officer of the California Fig Advisory Board, based in Fresno, Calif.,
demand for whole figs and new products containing figs has been on the
increase for the past few years. "Figs are a rich source of dietary
fiber, are fat and cholesterol free and add much needed calcium and
potassium to the diet," she says. Stockli reports that
California's 2008 harvest produced good quality product and high
yields. With supply and demand currently in balance, Stockli believes
the stage is set for a healthier industry this year. "The increased
plantings throughout the state of California will contribute to a
consistent flow of fresh figs into the market place from mid-May to
January and a consistent supply of dried figs throughout the year,"
she says.

The board is working with the industry to educate retailers and
consumers about the healthful benefits and versatility of California
figs as an ingredient in their favorite dishes. "We have worked to
position figs as a flavorful ingredient in upscale and everyday
foods," she says. "California figs have come a long way from
the familiar Fig Newton to being an ingredient in savory chutneys and
salsas. Today, consumers look at figs in a completely different way and
as their interest increases, we are able to educate them on the
versatility and functionality combined with the wonderful and healthful
attributes of California figs."

The board also shows buyers and retailers methods for preserving
and showcasing figs. "We encourage buyers and retailers to work
with the Board on promotional efforts, needs they may have and ways to
serve their customers," she says.

For more information, visit www.californiafigs.com.

CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPE COMMISSION

According to Cindy Plummer, vice president, domestic marketing for
the California Table Grape Commission, the backbone of the commission is
research. This includes category management information, such as ad
tracking, performance benchmarks, best practices and promotional
analysis, along with other areas including consumer, trade, viticulture,
nutrition, technical and industry research.

Fresh grapes remain the fourth most consumed fruit by consumers in
the United States. In 2007, over 2.5 billion pounds of fresh grapes were
consumed in the U.S., the second most in the past 10 years, with a per
capita consumption of more than eight pounds per year. Grapes
contributed 5.9% of all produce dollars nationally in 2007.

Staggered growing seasons in various regions combined with
sophisticated storage technology, means the 50 hand-picked varieties of
both seedless and seeded fresh California grapes are now available May
through January. Plummer notes that 98% of the grapes produced in the
U.S. are from California.

Retailers that participate in the commission's promotions can
receive significant exposure with consumers through tagged traffic
radio, Starlite billboards, tagged online banner ads and consumer
magazines. Throughout the season, the commission will also be assisting
retailers by sharing the latest research and giving away marketing
materials which are designed to increase fresh California grape sales.

New promotions are planned with Oprah Winfrey's personal
trainer, Bob Greene, for California's fresh grape season in 2009.
His new Best Life Diet cookbook will be given away to consumers that
purchase all three colors of grapes at participating retail stores.
Additionally, an online marketing program featuring Greene will give
retailers significant exposure through tagged online banner ads.

The commission recently launched its new website,
grapesfromcalifornia.com, providing retailers with the latest research,
news and consumer information. For the 2009 season, a marketing kit for
retailers will be posted on the website that includes the latest grape
category management research and recommendations for increasing grape
sales in 2009. Also, marketing materials will be available for
retailers, such as variety charts and back room posters, recipes,
photography, nutrition information and a new consumer brochure.

For more information, visit www.grapesfromcalifornia.com.

CAMEO APPLE MARKETING COMMISSION

Established in 2001, the Cameo Apple Marketing Commission was
formed to market the super-sweet, super-crunchy apple variety that was
introduced in 1998.

Approximately 70% of Cameos are sold after the first of the year
and 30% between October and December 31. "Previously there was a
real gap during the later part of the season for a high quality premium
tasting apple that retailers could use to generate incremental sales
during the late season," says Kevin Precht, marketing program
director for the Cameo Apple Marketing Commission based Wenatchee, Wash.
Cameo apples, he adds, were grown specifically for taste and crunch. By
toning down the red, growers are able to keep the skin very thin, the
flavor sweet yet tart and the flesh very crunchy, explains Precht.

The commission provides demos, point-of-sale materials, research on
how to price and promote Cameo apples and how Cameo's can add value
to the overall apple category. In addition to its marketing role, the
commission also oversees the industries only varietal-specific quality
control program. "Each of our member shippers and growers are
essentially all doing the same thing in terms of how they harvest, pack
and store Cameo's," explains Precht. "This is a
competitive market and it is important to maintain the consistency and a
high quality level all the way through the season. Other than Red
Delicious we are the only late season variety, which means Cameos can be
found in grocery stores as late as July."

To address the growing interest in organic fruit, he says
approximately 20% of the domestic Cameo apple crop is being converted to
organic. "Given that much of the existing organic apples are early
season varieties. We feel this will help retailers develop their organic
sales in the late season." The commission will be launching its
first organic Cameo promotion this year to tie in with Earth Day.

For more information, visit www.americancameo.com.

IDAHO-EASTERN OREGON ONION COMMITTEE

The Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee represents more than 300
growers and 36 shippers in Southwestern Idaho and Malheur County,
Oregon. Their goal is to work with its members to provide consistently
sized onions and the best possible quality available. Increasing
consumption of Idaho-Eastern Oregon onions through promotional programs,
education, advertising and other communications is also the focus of the
committee. "By partnering with our growers and shippers to create
programs to entice buyers, we created a demand for mandatory-inspected
Idaho-Eastern Oregon onions," says Sherise Jones, marketing
director for the Parma, Idaho-based committee.

Officials at the committee say the 2008-2009 crop was very healthy
with plenty of Spanish Sweets in a variety of sizes. While they may be
known for their large size, smaller Spanish Sweets tend to be more
appealing to retailers and consumers. Packaged onions are proving
popular as well as consumers look to stock up they are continuing to
seek out three- and five- pound bags.

Interest in Spanish Sweets has steadily increased during the past
few years but as Jones explains, it is still critical for retailers to
promote the onions, particularly at point of sale, especially, she adds,
explaining taste, nutritional information and best way to store and cook
with Spanish Sweets. Emphasizing where the onion was grown, explains
Jones, helps to drive purchases and increasing consumption.

While they have a number of POS and promotional materials for
retailers, the committee's annual event, Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion
Lover's Month Retail Display Contest, is one of their biggest
promotional events of the year. New this year, the committee will
feature a host of all new merchandising tips for retailers on its
website.

For more information, visit www.bigonions.com.

IDAHO POTATO COMMISSION

Officials at the Idaho Potato Commission say with prices and supply
expected to remain stable throughout 2009, the best strategy for
retailers is to return to their business-as-usual promotion and
advertising plans. "There was a potato shortage at the end of 2008
due to a wet cold spring, which meant planting was late and the crop was
smaller," says Seth Pemsler, vice president retail/international
for the Idaho Potato Commission. "Lesser quality of potatoes due to
the high heat from the previous year meant smaller pack outs because
more potatoes headed to the processors rather than for storage."

As the shortage has subsided, prices have retreated, he says.
"The potato category is among the top five most profitable
categories in the produce section," Pemsler says. "Potatoes
are the No. 1 volume item in produce and offer very healthy margins.
Despite the recent price fluctuations, potatoes are still inexpensive
compared to any other commodity."

Given consumers are watching their budgets closely, Pemsler says it
is an ideal time for retailers to promote the message that for 25 cents
shoppers can buy an average sized potato.

For the second year, the Idaho Potato Commission is running its
national television campaign featuring spokesperson Denise Austin and
focusing on the nutritional benefits of Idaho potatoes. "We belief
strongly in actively communicating across all channels to consumers
about the value of the potato and we are thrilled to partner with
retailers to help them spread that message," he notes.

From a category management perspective, Pemsler says his group can
also help retailers understand the category, provide data regarding
movement in their market and nationally. They are also able to offer
pricing and promotional strategies.

For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.

NEW YORK APPLE ASSOCIATION

Service and advanced logistics are just two of the aspects that
make the New York Apple Association stand out. Jim Allen, president of
the Fishers, N.Y.-based group, says one of the association's
primary objectives is to raise the awareness and increase consumption of
New York State Apples. "Not all retailers are aware that New York
State is No. 2 in apple production. The New York brand resonates with
consumers and the high-acid taste helps them to stand apart from
comparative apples grown in other states," notes Allen.

In addition to having a unique taste profile, new varieties and
flavors as well as better condition of apples at store level are driving
interest. "Apple consumption has risen dramatically during the past
few years thanks to improvements in take-home quality of the apples and
the introduction of new varieties."

Allen says retailers can expect to see more varieties introduced
this year. "Coming into this season we anticipated a good crop, but
larger crops from both coasts have resulted in higher prices backing
down a bit," he says.. "For 2009, supply and demand are high
and the potential for a great season is strong."

The group supports the markets in which New York apples are sold
and works to identify new market opportunities. Additionally, the
association provides consumer research, retail handling techniques,
incentives, promotions, contests and collateral materials.

A key part of helping retailers sell more apples, says Allen, are
the instore demos his group helps organize. Although costly, he says its
ability to put the apple right in the consumer's hands is well
worth it. "Our role is to help retailers and growers sell more
apples. One way to do that is to make the apple valuable to the consumer
and convince her it is one of the best tasting apples she's ever
tried," he notes.

Internationally interest in New York State Apples is on the rise,
Allen says. Canada, U.K., Russia and Central America are among the
markets they are currently serving..

For more information, visit www.nyapplecountry.com.

PEAR BUREAU NORTHWEST

Some 84% of all fresh pears grown in the U.S. and 94% of all winter
pears come from Oregon and Washington. With the goal of increasing
awareness and consumption, the Pear Bureau Northwest was established to
serve as the marketing arm to promote, advertise and develop markets for
fresh pears grown in these two states, which are distributed under the
U.S.A Pears brand. In all, the bureau represents some 1,700 growers and
50 packers and shippers.

Dennis James, director of marketing for the Milwaukie, Ore.-based
bureau, says worldwide consumption of U.S.A Pears is increasing every
year, thanks to year-round availability and more varieties, particularly
with some of the newer varieties of pears. "Our goal is to play up
the strength, value, market potential and long term benefits of pears
for retailers. Given that pears are often an impulse verses planned
purchase, ideal placement including up front display positioning,
frequent promotions and attractive pricing are critical components in
driving excitement and sales," notes James.

James encourages retailers to promote pears for back-to-school and
Halloween and continue through the winter holidays and beyond.

"Increasingly we are seeing interest and consumption pushed
out beyond the New Year and into late winter, thanks in part to the
staggered variety of pears our region produces. There are also a number
of synergies with cross-merchandising pears and summer fruits so look
for more of that this season as well."

For more information, visit www.usapears.com.

VIDALIA ONION COMMITTEE

Almost five million, 40-pound units of Vidalia onions are produced
in the state of Georgia each year. In fact, the state legislature is so
proud of its unique home-grown onion that it has named the Vidalia onion
Georgia's official state vegetable. Officials at the Vidalia Onion
Committee (VOC), which was established in 1989 to promote the brand,
feels so strongly about the brand that they created a Hall of Fame to
recognize people who are committed to protecting and promoting the name
of the Vidalia onion and its quality.

This, coupled with the number of consumers increasing the amount of
meals they are cooking at home these days, Wendy Brannen, executive
director of the VOC, based in Vidalia, Ga., says the group will continue
to focus on consumer education this year. As she notes, there are a
number of opportunities for her group to partner with retailers and help
them educate consumers on when Vidalias are in season and how they can
be used in low-cost, hearty family meals.

New this year for the committee is a customized promotional
program. The VOC will partner directly with specific retailers to
promote the Vidalia brand. With higher production costs than typical
storage onions, Vidalia onions are priced higher than similar onions in
the market, making consumer education important, Brannen says.
"Taking into account the seasonal aspect of Vidalias, retailers
really need to have strong merchandising strategies in place during the
spring and summer months so consumers understand why it is worth buying
the Vidalia brand," she notes. Complimentary point-of-sale
materials are available to U.S. and Canadian retailers.

For more information, visit www.vidaliaonion.org.

WALLA WALLA SWEET ONION MARKETING COMMITTEE

The Walla Walla Sweet Onion is an open-pollinated variety of sweet
onion produced by about 30 growers in the Walla Walla Valley of
Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon. Walla Walla Sweet Onions are
available mid-June through September.

A U.S.D.A. marketing order designates Walla Walla Sweet Onions as a
unique variety and establishes a federally protected growing area. Sweet
onions grown outside this production area cannot be marketed as Walla
Walla Sweet Onions.

The committee's goal is to strengthen consumer demand of Walla
Walla Sweet Onions through promotions, marketing and research and
development. Kathryn Fry, director of the Walla Walla Sweet Onion
Marketing Committee, says through its website retailers can find a host
of promotional items.

The committee's point-of-purchase materials highlight the rich
history and "Sweet Tradition" of the industry. A recipe
brochure features recipes from famous chefs and restaurants in the
Pacific Northwest as well as consumer storage tips. "The consumer
brochure is a beautiful full-color piece that brings your customers
right to the heart of the Walla Walla Valley--where our growers have a
century of tradition raising this sweet globe," Fry says.

For more information, visit www.sweetonions.org.

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